About the Role
The Department of Health is seeking a dedicated and experienced professional for the role of Director: Forensic Mental Health in Pretoria. This essential position plays a critical part in shaping the landscape of forensic mental health services across South Africa. Your work will not only involve compliance with vital legislative mandates but also the development of innovative policies and programs that ensure the well-being of individuals with mental health challenges within the criminal justice system.
As the Director, you will oversee the implementation of the Mental Health Care Act, Criminal Procedure Act, and other significant legislation, ensuring that the rights and needs of state patients and mentally ill prisoners are met. Your contributions will directly impact communities, offering crucial support and rehabilitation services that foster dignity and respect for all individuals.
About the Department
The Department of Health is committed to promoting the health and well-being of all South Africans. Through its various initiatives and services, the department ensures that healthcare is accessible, equitable, and of high quality. By working within this department, you will be part of a mission that prioritizes health equity, mental health awareness, and the advancement of public health policies. Your role will enable you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health issues.
What You’ll Do
- Process and monitor compliance with the Mental Health Care Act and related legislation.
- Develop and implement policies and programs for forensic mental health services.
- Create training programs for psychiatrists and clinical psychologists.
- Ensure the development and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure for mental health services.
- Consult with provinces regarding the required number of beds for mental observations.
- Maintain and update information management systems for forensic mental health.
- Collaborate with intersectoral and interdepartmental stakeholders on forensic mental health issues.
- Serve on relevant committees, including the Director-General’s Child Justice Committee.
What You’ll Need
- A Grade 12 certificate and an NQF 7 qualification in a Mental Health Related Profession.
- Registration as a Mental Health Practitioner with a relevant statutory council.
- A postgraduate qualification in Psychiatry or a relevant mental health specialization is advantageous.
- A minimum of five years’ managerial experience in forensic mental health.
- Demonstrable experience in forensic psychiatry, including care and treatment of state patients.
- Knowledge of health legislation, policies, and systems related to mental health.
- Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- A valid driver’s license and an SMS pre-entry Certificate are required.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours to 20 Steve Biko Street, Agriculture Place, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002 or by email [email protected].
Requirements
Grade 12 certificate and an appropriate NQF 7 in Mental Health Related Profession (Medicine, Psychiatric Nursing, Psychology, Occupational Therapy or Social Work) as recognised by SAQA.Registration with a relevant statutory council as a Mental Health Practitioner.
Postgraduate qualification in Psychiatry 89 or another relevant mental health specification will be an advantage.
At least five (5) years’ experience in middle/senior managerial level in the field involved with forensic mental health.
Demonstrable experience in forensic psychiatry/mental health including care, treatment and rehabilitation of State patients and mentally ill prisoners as outlined in the Mental Health Act No 17 of 2002.
Evaluation/assessments relating to section 77, 78 and 79 Criminal Procedure Act No 51 of 1977 (as amended), section 11 of the child Justice Act No 75 of 2008.
Implementation of Sexual Offences Act.
Knowledge in health legislation and health policies, health systems as well as of Clinical Mental Health/psychiatry/psychology, forensic mental health and research.
Good communication (verbal and written), facilitation and people management, financial management, leadership, planning and organization, problem solving, human resource management and computer skills (MS Office package).
A valid driver’s license.
SMS pre-entry Certificate is required for appointment finalization.
Job Duties
Process, monitor and ensure compliance of the department with the legislative mandates emanating from the Mental Health Care Act, Criminal Procedure Act, Child Justice Act, and Sexual Offences Act.Develop legislation, policies, guidelines and programmes on forensic mental health services.
Develop training programme for psychiatrics and clinical psychologists on the implementation of the legal mandates emanating from the Criminal Procedure and Child Justice Act.
Ensure adequate appropriate infrastructure for forensic mental health services.
Develop and seek approval for the proposal on a project for increasing beds for mental observations in psychiatric hospitals.
Consult provinces on the number of beds required for mental observations in designated psychiatric hospital.
Maintain and update information management systems on forensic mental health.
Keep and update information management systems for State patients on movements to and from designated psychiatric hospitals.
Facilitate intersectoral, interdepartmental and intradepartmental collaboration on issues pertaining to forensic mental health.
Serve in the Director-General’s Child Justice Committee and the Development Committee (DevComm) of the Criminal Justice system led by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Participate in the Human Rights Commission on issues pertaining to the human rights of involuntarily detained persons.
